Sacred Landscapes and Colonial Narratives A Historical Geography of Sikkim

Sikkim History, Colonial History, Sacred Landscapes, Eastern Himalayan History

This study explores the sacred geography of Sikkim, emphasising its spiritual significance as depicted in ancient texts, particularly in the writings of Guru Padma Sambhava. Sikkim, traditionally revered as hBras-ma ljongs (Demojong), has been portrayed as a divine sanctuary with hidden valleys, pilgrimage sites, and sacred mountains such as Khangchendzonga. With the advent of colonialism, the British reinterpreted these sacred landscapes for geopolitical and economic purposes. The British Gazetteers and travelers' accounts documented Sikkim’s geography primarily for administrative control, leading to territorial reconfigurations. By the 20th century, British paramountcy and later geopolitical shifts, including China's annexation of Tibet, reshaped Sikkim’s sovereignty. The Indo-Sikkim Treaty of 1950 marked its transition into an Indian protectorate, ultimately culminating in its merger with India in 1975. This historical analysis highlights the intersection of sacred geography and colonial narratives in defining Sikkim’s past and present.

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